Donut Fest Chicago sells out, but VIP tickets available

Look through a photo recap of past Donut Fests, plus see some 2016 participants.

Bill DaleyChicago Tribune

How many food-specific fests can one city support? A lot, it seems. Ramenfest, WingFest, Baconfest, Mac & Cheese Fest ... the list goes on, and the crowds keep coming. Now, it has taken all of a week for Donut Fest Chicago, returning for a third year Jan. 31, to sell out of general admission tickets.

The good news, if you're clamoring to get in and willing to pay a premium: The event has reintroduced the VIP ticket option (available the first year but not the second), and as of press time, some VIP tickets remain. For $50 a person, get early entry (8 a.m. for the morning session, 1 p.m. for the afternoon session), tasting tickets for all the session participants, three coffee tickets, a Donut Fest mug and a gift bag to take home.

It is easy to see the event's appeal. You can do some good — profits are donated to Un86’d, a charity that helps restaurant professionals with unexpected medical bills and more — while sampling doughnuts from Stan's Donuts & Coffee, Glazed and Infused, Firecakes, Gurnee Donuts, Longman & Eagle, Somethin' Sweet Donuts, Bombobar, Doughnut Vault and more.

The restaurants and bakeries compete to be named best donut. Winners in 2015 were Firecakes (Judges’ Choice) and West Town Bakery & Diner (Crowd Favorite).

“Doughnuts have a nostalgic connection,” says Rebecca Skoch, the food and beverage industry consultant who founded the event.

Skoch says some participants bring their usual wares; others create something special. Given the fun nature of the event, she says, there aren't restrictions put on what can be submitted. But, she notes, a “classic, simple doughnut goes over better with the judges.”